Abstract: Rotary packaging machine and method for filling open-mouth bags with multiple filling units disposed over the circumference and rotating along, each of which having a filling spout with a bottom filling opening, wherein the open-mouth bags can be appended by way of a motion oriented upwardly relative to the filling spout. A transfer device for transferring the open-mouth bags intended for filling to the filling units is provided. The transfer device comprises a gripping arm including a gripping unit provided thereat. The gripping arm is rotatingly disposed at the transfer device. A longitudinal speed of the longitudinal motion of the gripping arm is temporarily adapted to a peripheral speed of the circumferential motion of the filling spouts.

Abstract: A process for sequentially forming a plurality of enclosed containers (32) comprising a product, the process involving passing a continuous web (10), comprising a strip of container material having two opposing edges (4, 6), to a folding station (12), whereupon each open container is sequentially formed by folding the web, to bring into contact two contiguous edge portions (9a, 9b) from only one edge of the web, then sealing the two edges together to form a portion of the web into an open container, depositing the product onto the web so that it is held within the open containers, and then sealing the open containers to form the enclosed containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing charges of high OV moist smokeless tobacco (MST) includes a rotary metering device. The rotary metering device includes a lower disk, a metering disk, a plurality of cavities in the metering disk; and at least one vacuum housing located around the periphery of the lower disk and in communication with the plurality of cavities. A vacuum is applied to the cavities to aid in the filling of the cavities and an air discharge mechanism ejects a charge of the MST from each cavity at a discharge station.

Abstract: Methods for preparing and using multiple chambered freezing bags containing biological fluid in the chambers are disclosed.

Abstract: A strapping apparatus for strapping a tensioning strap around a packaging item includes a frictional wheel that operates against a support to tighten the tensioning strap. The frictional wheel is operatively connected to a drive unit and can be lifted from the support by a swiveling lever. The swiveling lever includes an interrupting element to interrupt the path of action between the frictional wheel and the drive unit so as to be able to lift the frictional wheel in an unloaded state from the tensioning strap.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: A container, such as a bottle or jar, that includes a closed compartment and an active insert device for pressurizing the closed compartment. The active insert device comprises an elastic liner and an active insert that are affixed to a closure or cap or the container. The active insert includes at least one reactant that is triggered to a reaction by an external energy source. The reaction produces a gas, which is delivered to the closed compartment via the liner. The gas causes the liner to expand and open a passage to deliver the gas to the closed compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray sealer comprising a sealing station for sealing trays with a cover film, and a conveyor system for conveying the trays along a conveying path, wherein the conveyor system includes a plurality of pushers each configured for carrying along at least one tray and movable along an endless pusher path. The invention is characterized in that the pushers are movable independently of one another along the pusher path.

Abstract: A packaging machine of the type that is used to hand-wrap a package with a stretchable film that is heat-fused/sealed. The machine includes a supply of film for wrapping a package and a hot plate mechanism for heat fusing the film after the package is wrapped. The hot plate mechanism includes a fever arm that moves a sealing platform from a raised position to a lowered, heat sealing position when the package is placed on the platform. A control circuit energizes a heating element forming part of the sealing platform and causes it to reach a desired heating temperature in 2 to 4 seconds, whereby fusing of the sealing film is achieved. An interval timer is used to control a signaling device such as a light to Indicate the machine is in a heating cycle. A separate timer, in conjunction with a temperature sensing thermistor, controls a length of time the heating element is energized and terminates power to the heating element prior to the end of a sealing Interval if a predetermined temperature is exceeded.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for installing a sterilized peripheral in a bio-processing vessel. One aspect is an aseptic peripheral connection assembly for installing a sterilized peripheral in a bio-processing vessel via an aseptic connector affixed to the vessel. The aseptic peripheral connection assembly may include a carrier, an applicator, a plunger, and a removable hermetic sealing tab.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the intactness and leaktightness of containers (4) that are processed in a filling plant, wherein the filling plant comprises at least one centering head (2) for holding, gripping and/or turning one of the containers (4), wherein the centering head (2) is arranged movably along a longitudinal axis (3) of the container (4), and wherein the relative position of the centering head (2) on the longitudinal axis (3) is determined and used for the intactness and leaktightness determination.

Abstract: A carton decasing system for removing stacks of cartons or carton blanks from cases or containers includes a case infeed conveyor on which the cases with the cartons or carton blanks stacked therein are moved to an inverting assembly. The inverting assembly reorients the cases and places the cases with the cartons stacked therein on a decasing assembly which removes the cases from the stacks of cartons. The stacks of cartons are thereafter conveyed along a magazine conveyor with the stacks of cartons supported by a stack pusher assembly as the cartons are moved to a discharge point at the distal end of the magazine conveyor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and fixing a metal label allowing for the logos or trademarks of products or companies to be displayed as characters or figures on the surfaces of various products includes: forming a metal label to have fixing legs and a connection member thinner than the metal label through etching; forming holes in a product and a backplate in positions corresponding to those of the fixing legs; cutting the connection member connecting the fixing legs; and fixing the metal label to the product and the backplate. By forming the fixing legs thinner than the metal label, sharpness in the edges of the metal label is obtained when the fixing legs are bent. A recess is formed in the backplate, thereby preventing the metal label or the fixing legs from protruding from the surface of the product or the backplate, whereby further improved quality of the product is obtained.

Abstract: A carton for holding a product is disclosed. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprise a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The carton further comprises a hinge in at least one of the plurality of panels and a reclosable lid pivotably attached to the carton. The reclosable lid comprises a first intermediate panel foldably connected to at least one of the plurality of panels and a second intermediate panel foldably connected to the first intermediate panel. The first intermediate panel is positioned in face-to-face contact with the second intermediate panel. The reclosable lid is pivotable at the hinge between a closed position preventing access to the interior of the carton and an open position allowing access to the interior of the carton.

Abstract: A cargo rack includes a frame having a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions. The lower end portion has a base with a floor providing a load holding position. A tank module that is supported with the frame during use, the lower end portion of the tank module resting upon the load holding position of the base. The frame includes a plurality of side walls that attach to and extend upwardly from the base frame. Each side wall has a pair of corner columns, a central plate, and a plurality of diagonal members, each diagonal member connected to a corner column and a central plate. The frame can include at least one horizontally extending beam connecting between each pair of corner columns. The diagonal members include an upper pair that can form an obtuse angle and a lower pair that can form an acute angle.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a series of interconnectable polyethylene plastic members, which can be interlocked together to form a tank base system sized to provide a load-bearing support for an aboveground storage tank and configured to reduce rusting and corrosion of the tank from ground moisture, chemicals, and so forth wherein the interconnectable polyethylene plastic members are generally pie piece shaped and modular such that when assembled a generally circular base is formed of light weight and sturdy support members that are generally non-corrosive, chemical resistant, tolerant to temperature variations, and non-absorbing.

Abstract: Described are devices and containers that are scalable, modular, and lockable laterally and vertically with other like containers for a variety of applications. A container is formed by a wall attached at first end to a top end section with an opening and attached at a second end by a bottom end section. A container may have one or more of a tongue, formed on the wall, having and interconnecting mechanism to be received and interlocked by a groove. Vertical interconnectivity is accomplished with mechanisms to stack containers and prevent swivel using a ridge and channel interlocking arrangement.

Abstract: This container is provided with a box main body (20) configured by assembling synthetic resin hollow plates into a bottomed square box shape. A plurality of engaging members (31, 32) having rectangular protrusions (33) are fixed to a bottom wall (21) of the box main body (20). The engaging members (31, 32) are fixed in such a manner that the protrusions (33) protrude from the bottom surface of the bottom wall (21), and are positioned in such a manner that lattice-shaped linear recesses, which extend lengthwise and widthwise along the side edges of the bottom wall (21), are formed between the protrusions (33).

Abstract: An ovoid tote with securable drawers reminiscent of a luxury, jeweled egg having an ovoid tote member, a domed lid, a circular mirror disposed upon an undersurface of the domed lid, a topmost compartment disposed underneath the domed lid, an upper compartment disposed underneath the topmost compartment, a lockable middle drawer disposed underneath the upper compartment, a lower compartment disposed underneath the middle drawer, and a plurality of leg members basally disposed to maintain the ovoid tote member in an upright situation when deposited upon an underlying surface, whereby the ovoid tote member with securable drawers is portable upon a shoulder strap and dependable thereon in an upright situation during portage by connection of the shoulder strap to each of a pair of attachment points disposed upon the ovoid tote member proximal the domed lid.

Abstract: A vertical file folder system is disclosed in several embodiments. The folder (10) has a plurality of pocket segments 20, 30, 32 which are joined together at their bottom by living hinges 38 which maintain the bottoms edges 16, 116, 216 spaced apart. Port 28 also allow for expansion as do slots 60. An alternative embodiment (FIG. 9-10) show a folder which has a bottom flap 320, side flap 322 and top flap 318 which overlie each other to create a three sided boundary for papers or other contents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resealable bag having a gusseted structure with a flared double-flapped upper panel wherein a handle and hang-up notch is incorporated therein. A one-way release valve is disposed on the bag to allow the ejection of air from the bag interior when the bag is exteriorly compressed. The flared upper panels can be folded in a downward position when loading foodstuffs. The bag structure comprises a back panel, a front panel, a floor panel, and a double-flapped upper panel forming the handle. The exterior of the bag further provides a writing surface affixed thereto. The bag structure can be sealed via an interlocking closure means along its open upper. Finally, the bag material is one that is suitable for use in a freezer or cooking environment, wherein the bag can be taken from cold storage and heated without material degradation or food contamination.

Abstract: A screw lid for a food container comprises a series of radially extending asymmetric protrusions arranged around a peripheral edge region, wherein the asymmetric protrusions facilitate enhanced gripping when the lid is turned in an opening direction as compared to the gripping facilitated when the lid is turned in a closing direction.

Abstract: Composite cap intended to be snapped on the glass ring of a bottle and then to serve as a stopper that can screwed and unscrewed as required, the glass ring being provided with at least one annular bead. It comprises a shell with a skirt provided with an internal annular bead; a first insert, disposed inside said shell, provided with an internal screw thread, characterized in that it also comprises a second insert having at least two roughly cylindrical portions; the first portion being provided on its external wall with a screw thread complementary to that of said first insert, the second portion being provided with axial immobilization means intended to cooperate with said annular bead and axial stop means, cooperating with said internal annular bead, so that the inserts secured together by screwing are trapped inside said shell.

Abstract: A container includes a sealing system coupled to an interior surface of the container's lid or cover. The sealing system includes a rotatable latch that, when rotated, cooperates with a number of gears to and a cam assembly formed in the lid to actuate a number of arms or links. In one embodiment, some of the arms extend approximately radially from a driven gear and operate to move an engagement member of the sealing assembly into contact with a complementary engagement member coupled to a base portion of the container. This engagement, in turn, compresses a seal or gasket located between the lid portion and the base portion of the container.

Abstract: A nut configured to threadably engage an external thread of a bolt is provided. The nut generally comprises an upper portion that defines a first thread, a lower portion that defines a second thread, and a sidewall portion that connects the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion may be separated from the lower portion by a gap, and the sidewall portion may include a first sidewall spaced apart from a second sidewall.

Abstract: A packaged product assembly is provided. The packaged product assembly may include a tray slidably received in a dispensing container. The tray may be a blister pack including units of a product received in sealed cavities. A locking apparatus may be configured to releasably retain the tray in a locked configuration. The locking apparatus may include one or more locking protrusions that engage corresponding locking apertures in the tray. The locking apparatus may also include buttons positioned on opposing sides of the tray. When the buttons are depressed toward one another, the locking protrusions may move relative to the locking apertures such that the tray is unlocked and may be withdrawn from the dispensing container.

Abstract: A cap for a bottle containing a cosmetic reservoir is cylindrical (not necessarily radially symmetric) and defines an inner volume containing at least one reservoir for cosmetics, the reservoir being accessible when the lid is opened and inaccessible when the lid is closed. The reservoir is refillable and can be a removable tray. The reservoir can be defined by a central wall dividing the reservoir into two or more cosmetic reservoirs. In another embodiment, two or more trays of cosmetics can be stacked, one upon the other. A method for carrying and dispensing cosmetics within a cap for a bottle includes opening the lid and filling a cosmetic reservoir within the cap with a cosmetic; opening the lid to access and remove a portion of the cosmetic from the reservoir; and applying the cosmetic and closing the lid.

Abstract: Paperboard security packages (1) are disclosed wherein content items are contained by at least one card (10) and two adjoining housing (30, 40) attached to the at least one card and protruding from opposite surfaces of the card.

Abstract: A package is disclosed which includes first panel (210) having a blister (150) attached thereto. A second panel (220) is hingedly attached to the first panel (210). The second panel (220) includes a cutout area (221) through which the blister body protrudes. A retention feature (155) on the blister body engages an edge of the cutout (221) to hold the second panel (220) in a position relative to the first panel (210).

Abstract: A resealable package integrity closure includes a lamination of films comprising a layer forming a top of container and having a scored flap defining an access opening to gain access to the contents of the container. The score that defines the opening flap cuts only into the outer layer of the film lamination and not through the sealing layer of film. A pressure-sensitive label functions as a sealing panel which completely covers the flap of the laminated film layer. A releasable adhesive is provided a pressure sensitive label that is applied over the film layer forming the top of the container. The pressure-sensitive label provides a sealing panel which is releasable from the film layer outside the perimeter of the score by peeling back the sealing panel. After opening the flap, the sealing panel of the pressure-sensitive label is reclosable against the top to seal the access opening.

Abstract: Food packaging has a base tray and a second tray which nests in the base tray. The base tray has one or more walls terminating in a land. The land has an indent in its upper surface at least partially surrounded by an indent wall which extends continuously along an inward side of the indent so as to separate the indent from a main cavity formed by the base tray walls. The second tray nested has a flange supported by the land. The flange extends partially over the indent. The indent is sized to admit a finger within the indent below the flange. In consequence, after cooking of the foods in the trays, the consumer can use the indent in gripping the flange of the second tray without direct exposure to steam from the food cooked in the base tray. The consumer can then add a selected amount of food from the second tray to the base tray.

Abstract: A discharge container includes a container main body having an inner container and an outer container, and a discharge cap, a suction hole configured to suction external air to a space between the inner container and the outer container is formed in the outer container, the discharge cap includes an air valve configured to switch between allowing and blocking communication between the outside of the discharge cap and the suction hole, and a discharge film elastically deformable to close the discharge port, and a slit is formed in the discharge film. As the discharge film is elastically deformed according to an increase in the pressure inside the inner container, the slit is widened and opened to open the discharge port.

Abstract: Methods and packages for storing film strips while reducing or eliminating stress cracking during storage, including use of packages having an inner surface made from polymeric materials exhibiting various physical properties and including films and pouches that are annealed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixing apparatus comprising a connector container and a first container, said connector container being adapted to said first container forming a connection area between said connector container and first container, wherein said connection area contains a barrier between said connector and first containers, wherein said barrier is capable of preventing the passage of a substance contained in the connector or first container, wherein, upon user intervention, said barrier is capable of allowing the passage of a substance contained in the connector or first container.

Abstract: A boil-in-bag pouch (1,50) containing a foodstuff (30), wherein said pouch is in the form of an enclosed body (4,52) having a front face (8,78), a back face (7,80), a top end, a bottom end, and first and second sides (9,10,54,56) extending between said top and bottom ends, said pouch comprising: a single sheet of flexible sheet material having first and second opposed edges, wherein said sheet is folded along said first side (10,54) and said second side (9,56) to define said front and back faces, wherein opposed edges of said sheet are bonded by a longitudinal seal (2,70) extending from said top end to said bottom end of said pouch; a top transverse seal bonding said front and back faces together proximate to said top end; a bottom transverse seal bonding said front and back faces together proximate to said bottom end; and wherein said sheet is folded form a pleat extending from the bottom transverse seal to the top transverse seal along only one of said sides (10,54) of said body (4,52).

Abstract: A method for preparing a custom flavored snack food includes the provision of a quantity of a snack food that is at least partially cooked and at least one seasoning powder. The snack food is placed in a coating container with the at least one seasoning powder. The snack food is then coated with the at least one seasoning powder. The snack food coated with the at least one seasoning powder is subsequently heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time to form the custom flavored snack food. The method may be practiced with a kit having the snack food, the at least one seasoning powder, the coating container, and the heating container. The heating container may have a removable panel that, when removed, provides access to a heating cavity for receiving and heating the coated snack food to form the custom flavored snack food.

Abstract: An insulative container includes a wall and a floor. The wall is formed from an insulative cellular non-aromatic polymeric material having an area of plastic deformation. There are no fractures in the insulative cellular non-aromatic polymeric material so that a predetermined insulative characteristic is maintained in the material.

Abstract: Packages for holding physical items, with the packages being configured to move the physical item from within a housing of the package to outside the housing as the user opens the package. For instance, the package may include a housing to at least partly surround the physical item, a sled to hold the physical item and reside within the housing before the package is opened, and a drawbridge that, when manipulated by a user, moves the sled and the item coupled thereto at least partly outside of the housing. Therefore, when the user receives an item (e.g., upon purchasing the physical item), the user may open the drawbridge to cause the physical item to transition to at least partly outside the box, providing a convenient and positive “out-of-box” user experience.

Abstract: A power assisted drinking vessel, using a battery powered liquid pump provides pressurized, low volume liquid from the drinking vessel to a user's mouth through a straw, without the user having to draw or provide suction on the straw. The liquid pump is activated by pressing a momentary on-off electrical power switch. The power assisted drinking cup is capable of pumping many commonly ingested liquids such as water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, dietary/meal supplements or juices of various viscosity and at various flow rates and pressures. The powered drinking cup will be a benefit to patients in hospital or after dental work has been performed and will have appeal for many novelty use and sporting applications.

Abstract: A chain retaining device to retain a chain may include a chain mounting section to mount the chain and a handle section being connected to the chain mounting section to carry the chain retaining device. The chain mounting section may include a detachably connected chain holding device to adjust to different sizes chains. The chain holding device may be adapted form a friction connection to the chain mounting section. The chain holding device may include a handle to form the friction connection.

Abstract: Adhesive tabs having individual apertures are adhered to individual miniature products to be dispensed. The products are supported on a product carrier component having passages through which the tabs individually pass. A hook component is movable relative to the product carrier component. The hook component has a hook sized to successively enter each aperture, and to successively catch and successively remove each tab from its individual product during relative movement of the components.

Abstract: A variable volume container comprises a sidewall, a base having a ribbed region, and a diaphragm. The ribbed region has a plurality of concentric ribs extending from the diaphragm, and flexure zones between each rib. The flexure zones allow for accordion-like movement of the diaphragm in response to the internal pressure of the container. The ribs are characterized has having a uniformly arced interior curved surface and a distorted arced exterior curved surface. The ribs are four to eight times the width of the flexure zones, and the flexure zones have an exterior surface shorter than its bottom surface. During vacuum sealing, these features allow the diaphragm to retract upward to reduce the volume of the container while maintaining shape and structural stability of the container. This is especially useful for food packaging operations where containers need to be able to withstand conditions such as high pressure, heat, and/or vacuums.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for creating a consumable liquid food or beverage product from frozen contents. A container is configured for insertion into an apparatus. The container includes a frozen content, a receptacle defining an opening and a cavity for receiving and storing the frozen content, and a closure formed over the opening of the receptacle for sealing the frozen content within the cavity of the receptacle. The receptacle is perforable, and the container is configured for insertion into an apparatus that is configured to create a consumable liquid beverage from the frozen content within the container, such that the frozen content is extracted through a perforation created in the receptacle by the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible panel, a second flexible panel, a first seal, a second seal, and a tab. The first flexible panel includes a first longitudinal edge. The second flexible panel includes a second longitudinal edge. The first seal joins the first and second panels near the first and second longitudinal edges and runs generally parallel to the first and second edges. The second seal joins the first and second panels and is generally oblique to the first seal. At least one of the panels extends across at least one of the seals to form the tab, which includes an attachment feature. The attachment feature may be a piece of tape affixed to the tab. The attachment feature may be a strip of fabric or other reinforcement material melted into the tab, sealed within the tab or affixed to the tab via an adhesive. The attachment feature may be a hole with sealed or unsealed edges.

Abstract: A container has a box shape and comprises a bottom wall, side walls forming a circumferential wall of the container and a strap. One or more straps form four lifting loops at the upper side of the container and are fixed to the side walls diagonally such that the strap forms a V-shape on each of said side walls between two adjacent lifting loops. The strap can be free from the side walls at lower ends of the V-shapes so as to form fastening loops.

Abstract: An internal floating roof for use in large volatile or hazardous liquid storage tanks constructed of a plurality of open-top panel systems including C-shaped beams each having a vertical sidewall and flanges extending inward along the top and bottom of the beams with a bottom flange extending the vertical wall downward beyond the bottom. The panel systems are secured together using top and bottom brackets to construct a rigid, non-flexing roof structure to contain the hazardous gases and vapors beneath the floating roof without creating alternative escape pathways along the respective joints or seams between the panel systems. An additional seal in the form of a weld or resilient sealing member may be used along the joint between adjacent beams to further secure against leaking.

Abstract: A coupling member for interconnecting two containers stacked one above the other, particularly on board ships, having a first coupling projection that can be hooked into a corner fitting of one container and pre-locked there, and a second coupling projection that can be coupled to a corner fitting of the other container, and having an actuating member by means of which the second coupling projection can be switched between an automatic position, in which the containers lock and unlock fully automatically during loading and unloading, and a second position, in which the containers must be manually unlocked by an operator during unloading, wherein the second coupling projection is moved under pre-tension into the automatic position or the second position and can be moved to the respective other position by means of the actuating member, counter to the pre-tensioning force is provided.

Abstract: A waste container includes a body having a base and a side wall extending upward from the base to define a container interior. A lid is hingeably secured to an upper portion of the side wall. A latch assembly selectively secures the lid to the side wall, the latch assembly including a rotatable latch portion having a latch member selectively interlocking with a hook portion.

Abstract: This device will help to eliminate or greatly reduce the odor in a compactor that is caused by garbage and rotting waste. This, in turn, will help eliminate the amount of flies and/or maggots which surround a compactor because the smell, which attracts flies will be reduced. A predetermined amount of deodorizing pellets are distributed in a compactor at predetermined times.